Oldham Coliseum picks new creative director
- Paul Genty
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Oldham Coliseum has announced its new creative boss will be former Shakespeare's Globe and Shakespeare North Playhouse associate, director Nick Bagnall.
Nick brings over 30 years of theatre experience to the role, including being artistic associate director at Liverpool's Everyman and Playhouse Theatres, and numerous directing credits around the UK, working with the likes of playwright Jim Cartwright (with whom he is developing a project with Aviva Studios in Manchester), and poet laureate (and one-time Oldham probation officer), Simon Armitage.
He strengthens a pretty-much all-new backstage team at the Coliseum, which has still to announce a reopening date after missing its Christmas 2025 deadline.
Most recently the theatre board has gained the services of award-winning actor Julie Hesmondhalgh as guest curator to help shape the theatre's reopening programme, alongside NIck and Coliseum CEO Martina Murphy.
Nick starts his new job this week, said: "I'm thrilled to be joining the Coliseum at such an exciting time for the theatre and the town. I relish the opportunity to help rebuild the Coliseum as a producing theatre, To be on this journey as we develop the theatre's programme and plan for the reopening of our home is a dream come true."
Martina Murphy said: "We were looking for a leader who understands that theatre is not simply something we present to communities, but something we create with them. Nick brings artistic excellence, generosity, curiosity and a deep belief in the power of culture to transform people's lives. He has demonstrated a commitment to collaboration, imagination and public service that strongly aligns with our values here."
While the development of the theatre continues, it is presenting a variety of productions and creative opportunities around Oldham, including its regular Khushi Festival on August 1 in advance of the new autumn and winter programme, which will be unveiled soon.
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